Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 8/5/2011

Question
I have a coin that I would like to know a little more about (its history, value, etc.)  Front reads "PIVS XII PONT MAXIMVS" on the front with a bust of Pope Maximus XII looking to the left.  The back of the coin reads "Immaculata Regina Universi" and has a picture of Madonna and Child (both wearing crowns).  The coin belonged to my father.  His brother was a Catholic priest (both men are deceased).  I suspect this was a souvenier item from the Vatican; however, I've not been able to find any similar image to this coin online.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Marsha,
This is indeed a novelty/souvenir piece from the Vatican. There are various designs for these emdals, but all of this type are made of heavy pewter and gilded with a silver color. They were amde in the 1960's and 1970's. Value is typically not too high. At auction they go for $5 to $10 each. A retail store specializintg in such items would be asking several times that however.

Your emdal is the same as the one on the left in the pictures in this ebay listing: http://cgi.befr.ebay.be/3-medailles-vatican-papes-paulus-6-iohannes-23-/12072626

Thanks for the question! =)